Wayfinder Systems was the first company in Sweden and internationally to launch the navigation system for visually impaired on handsets. Visually impaired people from all over the world has acted as a reference group in order to get input and understand the precise needs of this particular market.
‘We’ve tried out the system and are extremely satisfied by the usefulness of the service. Our concern now is to get as many users as possible in Austria to enjoy the benefits of Wayfinder Access,’ says project manager Daniele Marano from the Hilfsgemeinschaft der Blinden und Sehschwachen Österreichs (Austrian Relief Organisation for the Blind). For those interested, the Relief Organisation offers the opportunity to try out Wayfinder Access, receive advice and guidance, and purchase the navigation system.
Wayfinder Access works easily and conveniently over a mobile phone. Users can establish their precise location, work out where they are by referencing ‘Points of Interest’ (banks, post offices and restaurants, etc.), and have their surroundings explained to them. The ‘Favourites’ feature allows users to preset their desired destinations for an entire day, enabling them to be guided smoothly and easily throughout the morning, afternoon and evening.
Wayfinder Access software is suitable for mobile phones using the Symbian operating system. The system also requires a GPS receiver and an Internet-enabled mobile phone. In addition, a speech output application such as Talks from Nuance Communications or Mobile Speak from Code Factory which is also required in order for information to be read out to the user. Those covering long distances are well advised to use a headset so that they don’t have to keep their mobile phone glued to their ear.
‘This navigation system is pioneering for the visually impaired. We are very pleased that the collaboration with the Hilfsgemeinschaft der Blinden und Sehschwachen Österrichs has worked out so well and we now hope that we are able to help as many of the visually impaired people in Austria as possible. Also getting their feedback is invaluable for us going forward’, says Magnus Nilsson, CEO of Wayfinder Systems.
For press material and more information, please contact:
Dan Haneklint, Marketing Director
Mob: +46 (0) 708 151 243
E-mail: dan.haneklint@wayfinder.com
About Wayfinder
Wayfinder is the leading provider of innovative GPS location and navigation services for connective mobile devices. Ease-of-use is the cornerstone of all our applications and services enabling consumers to benefit, in the simplest way, from our innovations be it for utility or just for entertainment. Our clients include major mobile phone manufacturers and operators worldwide, with a steadily increasing user footprint of over one million unique users from North America to India. We have 90 employees and offices in Sweden, Finland, Romania, France, Germany and the UK. Wayfinder Systems AB is listed on the NGM Equity stock exchange in Sweden.